Timing Belt Replacement

[captainhook]

Tried the search going one year back with no luck, so I will ask.

What is the recommended mileage to replace the timing belt?

I am currently at 70,000 miles, and I know that this was the magic number for Honda.

Also, if the belt breaks will there be any damage other then the belt breaking? I think that I read somewhere that the Zetec is non-interference, or what ever it is when it does not bend the valves and damage the head.

Thanks for the help.

[whiteboyslo]

i'm almost positive it's 90K. then again, it could be 80K.

yes, the zetec is non-interference. no REAL damage should occur if the belt breaks. the duratecs ARE interference, but they get a chain so they have no worries.

Mike

[ax0n]

I just wait till the rubber band snaps then put a new one on with a non-interference engine. On my ZX3 the timing cover's off so I'll probably notice when it's starting to go out (you usually get chewed up teeth and/or fraying between the plies of the belt right before it goes).

I'd just wait it out. Buy a new belt at 80 or 90k and keep it in a cool dark place so you can just tow it home and toss it on when it decides to go. Or if you're daring, keep it by your spare tire and keep tools in the car.



Do swap the timing belt, look at these instructions, but ignore the parts about removing the cam gears and valve cover. It covers removal and installation of the timing belt and adjustment of the tensioner:

http://www.focushacks.com/index.php?modid=17

I've had to post this enough times, I should probably omit the cam gear stuff and re-post it on my site as a timing belt howto.

[3 Stripes]

122,000 on mine still looks fine

I do have one in a dark cool place though.

[zx3focusguy]

I just wait till the rubber band snaps then put a new one on with a non-interference engine. On my ZX3 the timing cover's off so I'll probably notice when it's starting to go out (you usually get chewed up teeth and/or fraying between the plies of the belt right before it goes).

I'd just wait it out. Buy a new belt at 80 or 90k and keep it in a cool dark place so you can just tow it home and toss it on when it decides to go. Or if you're daring, keep it by your spare tire and keep tools in the car.



Do swap the timing belt, look at these instructions, but ignore the parts about removing the cam gears and valve cover. It covers removal and installation of the timing belt and adjustment of the tensioner:

http://www.focushacks.com/index.php?modid=17

I've had to post this enough times, I should probably omit the cam gear stuff and re-post it on my site as a timing belt howto.

You usually have great advice to offer this community, but that is the WORST advice I have head in a while.

Scott

[GapBoyPCS]

Ford recommends that the timing belt be replaced at 120,000 miles or 200,000 kilometres.

Some dealerships are a bit conservative and suggest you change the belt at 96,000 miles or 160,000 kilometres.

I did mine at about 190,000 kilometres ~ 114,000 miles.

PS> When you do change the timing belt, I would also suggest you examine your serpentine accessory drive belt. If it hasn't been replaced, I would have that done...including replacing the belt tensioner.

[ax0n]

You usually have great advice to offer this community, but that is the WORST advice I have head in a while.

Scott

What part? Waiting for it to break? With my cam cover off, I check it every time I check my oil (which is every time I fill up on gas)

On my Escort, it just went without warning at about 80k and again at about 120k (the second time was a water pump problem. Stupid ford and their t-belt-driven water pumps) 2 hours later, I had a new one put on. With non-interference engines, it's just not that big of a deal.

If you want to replace it 40,000 miles before it would go out on it's own, be my guest. Arguably though, you're not really out anything except for convenience if it just breaks. As if scheduling a few hours to do it is convenient in the first place. Unless there's some secret you're not telling me.

[captainhook]

Thanks everyone for your input. I figured that I would have no worries with this car. My accord suffered a timing belt failure which resulted in a $1600.00 service bill including valves and head work. Unfortunately, I bought the car used and was under the impression that the timing belt had been changed. I was planning on having it changed at 180,000 miles (following the 60,000 interval), but fell 20,000 miles short.

I the water pump a recommended replacement part with the timing belt too?

[ax0n]

Not on the Zetec. My escort's a CVH. I don't know if the Focus SPI has a timing-belt-driven water pump. It's driven by the accessory belt on a Zetec though. Thank god.

[Tremere]

Just want to add one thing to this...

If you are running high compression pistons, they MAY make your motor an interference motor... if you have added high comp pistons I would recommended changing your belt at 90k. Of course... its your wallet that will decide when you can change it :-D

[shbfd]

Originally Posted by Tremere

Just want to add one thing to this...

If you are running high compression pistons, they MAY make your motor an interference motor... if you have added high comp pistons I would recommended changing your belt at 90k. Of course... its your wallet that will decide when you can change it :-D

Thats the unfortunate thing people don't take car maitenance seriously a rather inexpensive belt or potential engine damage which is cheaper then.

[Focus126]

drive until it breaks, make sure your isurance covers towing ;-)

[BC3Racing]

Are you guys even serious!? The Zetec IS an interference engine, and if your belt goes you're in deep ****. Change it at 50,000.

[Liquid_02_ZX3]

Originally Posted by BC3Racing

Are you guys even serious!? The Zetec IS an interference engine, and if your belt goes you're in deep ****. Change it at 50,000.

That is a big negative I have done 10 or so broken timing belt jobs on zetecs over the years. A standard zetec is non interference. I know this for a fact, and will be driving mine till it breaks on its own. I'm not suggesting it to anyone else, but there is no harm when it goes.

[nilo]

The Zetec IS NOT an inteference engine. Mine broke at 90K.

[BC3Racing]

I believe that you guys are correct. I was just passing on bad info that I was told by a local machine shop. After a little research I found that the Zetec is def. considered a NON-interference engine. Sorry for the confusion. By the way, the info was giving to me by Doug's Automotive Machine shop, Vineland, NJ.

[MonkeyGein]

I thought the Dura was non-interference??? that's what the dealer told me. how often do chains break? or in event of breakage is there a bigger prob? never thought bout it befor cause i thoiught i had a non-interference

[G-forces]

There have been cases when a Zetec bent valves. It must have been that the buckets were too thick and the belt broke at a point when those valves were fully extended. Even if it's rare, it is possible. The tolerances are appearently very close to being interference.

Why not change things you know will need to be changed before they fail if the failure means the car is completely undrivable after the failure?

[Liquid_02_ZX3]

I do see your point, but however failure for me would be an excuse to build a killer motor.

[singleparin]

hi guys,

I'm new here, regarding timing belt change, how much does it cost to have it replaced, belt and service? thanks

[GapBoyPCS]

Originally Posted by singleparin

hi guys,

I'm new here, regarding timing belt change, how much does it cost to have it replaced, belt and service? thanks

It really depends on where you're located and whether you do it yourself, take it to a dealership, chain repair shops, or an independent shop. Also, would you just replace the belt, or would you also do the tensioners as well? For the belt alone, you could be looking at a few hundred dollars. If you start doing tensioners, water pump (some debate on whether to actually replace it at this stage) and the accessory drive belt, you could edge up towards $1K if you take it to a dealership.